Legislature: WFSU takes a look at the top issues the Florida legislature will be tackling in 2023. School vouchers come out on top of the list. WFSU.
Flagler: A Florida teen was held on $1 million bail after brutally attacking a teacher aid who confiscated his Nintendo Switch. WFLA. WESH. Flagler County voted down an effort to ban the book “Sold” from public school libraries. A second effort to ban the book on appeal will take place March 6. The book is one of 44 challenges requesting the banning of 22 books at district schools. Flagler Live.
Hillsborough: Black community members criticized Hillsborough County Public Schools plan to change school attendance zones. Meanwhile, parents of the wealthy south Tampa suburbs defended their efforts to keep school zones intact for their higher income neighborhoods. Board members unanimously voted to delay and workshop the plan further on March 9. Tampa Bay Times. WFLA.
Leon: Tallahassee Community College (TCC) announced the name of its new charter school, Tallahassee Collegiate Academy. One of the community college’s trustees, Karen Moore, is listed as the charter school’s founder. Moore will be stepping down as one of the trustees to helm the Board of Governors at the charter school. TCC received $2 million from the legislature to create a charter school on its campus. TCC was one of five colleges chosen to open new charter schools. Tallahassee Democrat.
Manatee: Manatee County Public Schools have seven named after local Black educators, entrepreneurs and leaders. The Bradenton Herald shines a spotlight on these schools. Bradenton Herald.
Palm Beach: Palm Beach County reveals what its newest high school, Dr. Joaquín Garcia High, will look like when it opens for the 2023-24 school year. The new school will serve 2,600 students in grades 9 through 12. Construction of the high school took two-years at a cost of $103 million. Palm Beach Post.
Pasco: Pasco County school board members are considering more restrictions on cell phone use at schools. John Legg recommended returning to old rules where students were required to keep phones off and out of sight except in cases of emergencies. Pasco currently allows students to access phones before and after class and during lunch. Tampa Bay Times.
Pandemic: Public school districts ramp up spending of Federal funds meant to alleviate schools from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools had until Sept. 2024 to spend the funds and most of the money was saved during the first months with spending doubling this year over last. Marguerite Roza makes the case on how school districts can spend the remaining funds to benefit students. The 74. Last year, 82 students in Leon County were subject to a Baker Act, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, by a medical professional over mental health issues. Officials say there has been an increase in Baker Acts among youth since the start of the pandemic. Tallahassee Democrat.
